TA. HLI or ?

[spreadeagle]

Here's an HLI button I bought several years in a batch of other Scottish military items.
I've never seen a blanked out tablet on a button before. Does anyone have one similar?

[CAM]

I do not have one and have not seen one before. I have an article on minor variations on infantry buttons (I do not know the origin) and there is no mention in that.

So it could be to the TA Bn, similar to the Leicesters without the top scroll.

I too would be interested in more information and will keep my eyes open.

Chris

[Staffsyeoman]

I think it's just one of two things:

1. A misstrike that got through
2. Polished out

[leigh kitchen]

If polished out it looks to be deliberate, the rest of the design hasn't been subjected to polishing that heavy.

[Rob Miller]

Is it possible to shine a torch in one of the holes in the back and see if it has been polished out?

Rob

[spreadeagle]

Originally Posted by Rob Miller

Is it possible to shine a torch in one of the holes in the back and see if it has been polished out?

Rob

Rob

I tried it,you would need a laser pin point torch and an Osprey's eye.
The holes are only about 1.5 mm wide,so i'm definitely not up to it.

On closer examination there's something odd about this button,there's no tails to the banner on the one side,and the Elephant upper section is totally untouched,so might be a blanked out poorly struck example.

I have some HLI TA. collar badges which are very similar,but given that ,it could well be just a duffer that escaped quality control.
Cheers.
Al

[Rob Miller]

Another question, why does it have 2 holes drilled in the back?

Rob

[leigh kitchen]

'Sweat holes".

[spreadeagle]

Originally Posted by Rob Miller

Another question, why does it have 2 holes drilled in the back?

Rob

Good question.

I have some other buttons with drill holes in the back plate from various regiments.and I can't see a reason for it.

[spreadeagle]

Originally Posted by leigh kitchen

'Sweat holes".

Possibly,
But this a spun back officers pattern button,and even the Victorian era buttons were solid backed.

[Rob Miller]

I agree its not unique in having 2 holes drilled in the back, here is 17mm, again by Gaunt, I think I must have some others somewhere?

This one is blackened, I had been wondering if the holes were something to do with that process, possibly heat related or perhaps for drying the inside to stop corrosion afterwards?

Is it possible that your HLI has either lost its blacking or never received it as intended, is there a HLI Volunteer or TA Battalion with blackened insignia?

Rob